THE Mechanics’ Institution Trust has been awarded a whopping £34,400 grant.

The money has been given to the trust by the Heritage Lottery Fund for its Young Roots project, where 40 Swindon youngsters aged 11 to 17 will learn about and share the story of Swindon’s community and cultural history.

During the summer holidays, young people will be able to take part in three weeks of research and creative arts activities, including theatre, murals, film, and a digital exhibition which will share what they’ve learned with the whole town.

Hannah Parry, the MIT's community projects manager, said: "This will be a summer project that will mean a lot to young people but also give them something to immerse themselves in.

"Having a variety of different things to do will be a great way for our young people to try out new things but also learn.

"I am extremely grateful to the HLF for the funds and everyone that helped make this viable deserves the biggest pat on the back - working as a team has really paid off."

“Although the trust’s core focus and goal has always been the restoration of the Mechanics’ as a community-run cultural facility, the development of both the immediate community and the wider town have also been central to its aims.

“We’re particularly interested in the needs and development of young people, and so were the early generations of railway workers and their families who helped build our town.”

As part of the project, and with the support of the trust, the young people involved will organise a show and tell event for members of the community to bring memorabilia which either relates to the mechanics’ building or to the early days of Swindon.

Over the past four years, the trust has carried out a programme of community development activity in and around the Railway Village, based from the Central Community Centre, which it also manages.

It set up a youth club in 2015 and a group of 15 young people were involved in the club and the activities which were submitted to and funded by the HLF.

The Young Roots project will continue into the autumn and winter months through this weekly youth club

The Mechanics’ Institution Trust is keen to hear from young people aged 11-17 who would like to take part in the project, and older people who want their memories recorded or take part in the show and tell.

Anyone interested should email hannah@mechanics-trust.org.uk or call 01793 520592.